A Flexible Path to Your Mississippi K-6 Teaching License
Earning your K-6 Elementary Teacher License has never been more accessible. ºÚÁÏÉç’s Online Elementary Teacher Education Preparation Program (TEPP) is designed to help you achieve your goal of becoming a certified elementary teacher in Mississippi — on your schedule.
Whether you’re starting your education journey or building on previous college credits, this online program provides the flexibility you need while ensuring you receive the high-quality training required to succeed in the classroom. With practical coursework, expert faculty support, and a Christ-centered approach to teaching, you'll graduate prepared to inspire and educate the next generation.
Who Should Enroll in the Online Elementary Education Degree Program?
Individuals who want to earn their Bachelor’s Degree in Education and obtain a Mississippi K-6 Elementary Teacher License.Mississippi Community College Students—Your Path to a Teaching Degree Starts Here!
ºÚÁÏÉç has a statewide transfer agreement with all Mississippi Community Colleges, making it easy to apply your credits and stay on track to earn your K–6 teacher license through our online degree in Elementary Education.
Why You’ll Love Elementary Education Online at Belhaven
Online Program with Hands-On Experience
Benefit from 7-week online courses combined with clinical field placements and internships in a Mississippi classroom—plus a one-day introductory residence seminar on campus in Jackson, MS to kickstart your journey.
Designed for Transfer & First-Time College Students
Whether you’re starting fresh or bringing in an AA degree or previous college credits, this program helps you maximize transfer credits for faster degree completion.
Personalized Support from Expert Faculty
Participate in weekly Zoom sessions with experienced professors who provide guidance, mentorship, and real-world teaching insights.
Christian Worldview
You are challenged to think critically and analytically about who God is — and who you are — as we equip you to fulfill your calling to glorify God and be a blessing to the world.
MS Residence
Ensuring alignment with state education standards
Step-by-Step Guidance
Throughout the entire licensure process
National Recognition
Continually honored by Colleges of Distinction for our innovative approaches
142 Years of Expertise
A leader in Christian education since 1883
What Can You Do With an Elementary Education Major?
A degree in Elementary Education opens the door to a variety of rewarding careers in the field of education and beyond. Graduates of ºÚÁÏÉç’s online bachelor's degree elementary education are prepared to become licensed K-6 classroom teachers, shaping young minds in Mississippi’s public and private schools.
Beyond traditional teaching roles, this degree also provides a strong foundation for careers such as:
- reading specialists
- curriculum coordinators
- education consultants
- instructional coaches
- children’s ministry
- nonprofit education programs
- tutoring services
- online education platforms
- missions work
No matter the path, this degree equips future educators with the tools to inspire and impact the next generation.
Online Elementary Education: What You’ll Study
The program consists of two key segments:
- Core General Education Courses – 62 credit hours
- Teacher Educator Preparation Program (TEPP) – 62 credit hours
- Total: 124 Credit Hours
- Online coursework with weekly Zoom sessions
- Clinical field placements and internships hours in local MS classrooms
- One-day Introductory Residency Seminar on campus in Jackson, MS
- Approved for Mississippi residents only
- Leads to a Mississippi K-6 Elementary Teacher License
- Two Cohort start dates per year in Fall (August) and Spring (January)
Before entering a school classroom, candidates must:
- Pass a Background Check
- Hold a Pre-Service License
- Have secured agreements with a School District, Principal, and Mentor Classroom Teacher
These ensure safety and compliance for candidates, schools, and students.
- Courses: 7-week online sessions
- Clinical Internships I & II: 14 - week sessions each
- Candidates must stay on their Cohort Schedule (Fall or Spring) to ensure on-time completion
- Compulsory attendance at two one-day TEPP Residency Seminars on campus
- TEPP Residency I Seminar– Orientation to the Online Teacher Preparation Program
- Fall Cohort meets one day in August
- Spring Cohort meets one day in January
- TEPP Residency II Seminar – Pre-Clinical Internship Orientation
- Fall Cohort meets one day in January
- Spring Cohort meets one day in August
- TEPP Residency I Seminar– Orientation to the Online Teacher Preparation Program
To be licensed, you must pass the following exams:
- Praxis PLT (#5622)
- Foundations of Reading (#190)
- Praxis CIA (#5017)
These exams are not required to earn your Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, but they are required before you can be recommended for your Mississippi K-6 Elementary Teacher License.
Online Elementary Education: What You Need to Know
You must first be admitted to ºÚÁÏÉç by following these steps:
- Apply to ºÚÁÏÉç as an Online student.
- Submit transcripts for evaluation.
After you have been accepted, you will:
- Work with an Academic Advisor.
- Complete any needed General Education courses.
Next, you must be admitted to TEPP by following these steps:
- Meet one of the following academic requirements:
- GPA of 3.0+
- ACT score of 21 or higher or a qualifying SAT score
- Praxis Core scores
- Complete a Background Check
This compulsory one-day TEPP Residency I Seminar delivers essential program information and next steps. Teacher Candidates will receive information regarding the following requirements:
- Have a clear Background Check
- Secure Formal Agreements with:
- Mississippi School District and School (superintendent/principal approval)
- A Mentor Classroom Teacher (Clinical Educator Agreement)
- Register with the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) via their MECCA database to obtain an Educator ID
- Apply for and Attain a Mississippi Pre-Service Teacher License
These rates are for August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.
| Program | Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degree/Certificate | $445 |
| Active Military Discount, Undergraduate Program | $250 |
| 20% Discount: Military Spouse/Veteran/First Responder | $356 |
These rates are for August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026.
| Program | Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degree/Certificate | $455 |
| Active Military Discount, Undergraduate Program | $250 |
| 20% Discount: Military Spouse/Veteran/First Responder | $364 |
* Military/first responder benefits cannot be combined with any other institutional scholarships or discounts.
Visit the Scholarships, Tuition & Fees page to view other fees as well as the cost estimate calculator.
The Highest Standards
ºÚÁÏÉç is accredited by the (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.
The School of Education is approved by the to offer teacher education programs. The programs are reviewed annually by the (MDE) to ensure state standards are met in accordance with the (CAEP) and MDE State Partnership protocol for continuing accreditation.
Meet the Dean
Contact Us
Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5